A lonley Cutter (OPEN FOR ANYONE)

Dr. Parks looked at Dani and shook his head as he came into the dim light of the room. "You lay back down young lady." he told her, as he pulled a chair up to the bed. Sitting down he continued. "The nurses called me about you waking up and screaming. I figure you have been having nightmares, probably brought on by the incident at the VA Center." When the nurses had checked on her she had said nothing and this they told him as well. It seemed Dani was doing the same thing as many soldiers were doing and that she had been helping.

"Now you are trying to hide the fact that you are having nightmares, are worried about Alex and what happened at the VA Center. Now what would you recommend for yourself. You have been dealing with soldiers for a long time now with the same problem that you are going throuh. What course of treatment would you suggest." The shoe was on the other foot now. She had been helping soldiers get their head straight for some time now, and now it was her that was messed up and needed help. She knew what needed to be done and she knew what she had to do. She just needed to talk to herself in a sence

Seeing Dr. Parks walk in Dani sighed and laid back down. She knew that she wouldn’t be getting out of it now. She knew Dr. Parks knew her even without her ever really going to see him, other then the required mettings for all workers to make sure she wasn’t burning out. She looked at him. It had taken over a year but she did trust him.

She smiled at his question. She would tell the Soldiers that they needed to let it out so it didn’t eat them up on the inside, that if it was them in the room she would have told them that it wasn’t their fault that the gun had gone off. That anyone else she would consider a hero but not her, for what ever reason her mind was telling her that she had murdered him.

She sighed. “I would tell them that they need to talk to someone” Dani said softly. She looked up at Dr. Parks “All I saw was little Anne, little deaf Anne that couldn’t hear or understand what was going on, her father unable to move due to injuries, and” She stopped chocking back tears “Chad, about to shoot Anne” She shook her head. “I shouldn’t be having nightmares, mine was one day, those guys face months if not years of it, why am I having it after one day, everyone got out” She looked at the Doc again.

“No one is telling me anything, how is Alex? Where is he?” She didn’t add when were the MP’s coming to arrest her but thought it still. She looked at the Doctor. “How is everyone else?” Her throat was getting painfully sore again. She looked up at him. “Does this mean I am no longer working there?” She figured since she was now like them, nightmares and all she wouldn’t be allowed to work there again.

For what ever reason she felt safe talking to him, so talked for a bit more. She told him about the nightmares about Chad calling her a murderer. About the other Soldiers from Iraq telling her that they would have been better off dead, even about her having to raise her twins alone since Alex never came back to her she licked her lips after letting it all out. Turned to him her voice was now really faint and it was clearly now a struggle to speak. She was still wanting to know about Alex though.

She was excepting a visit from the Military anyways now for two reasons, to arrest her and one to tell her about her husband. “Do…they…vi..vi..vist…hosp….hospit….als” Dani struggled to speak out

"There has been no word on Alex." he told Dani, "My guess is thourgh that he is being checked out by a Doctor and might be sent to Germany for some tests there. Mainly a Cat Scan to see if there was any problems form that explosion and him being knocked off his feet."

He patted her hand when she told him about the nightmare about Chad. "It only takes one instance, not a long period of time being subjected to it. You should not feel guilty about Chad's death. The thought of going back made him snap and he was endangering many people. Alex has killed many men in Iraq and probably now in Afganistan. He is doing it to protect himself and others. Thoes he has killed thought nothing of taking another's life. When it comes down to it, what you did was to save others. That is not a crime my dear. Nor will the military be trying to arrest you. You are a civilian and even though Chad was a soldier, you are govern by civilian laws and the police are not charging you. Self Defence and Protection the lives of others that were endangered. So put your mind at ease on that."

He got up and began walking to the door. "When you get out of here, I want you to come see me if you have any more nightmares. You are also going to take it easy before you come back to work. Don't need you ripping out stiches or passing out on us there. When you are feeling up to it, your job will be waiting for you.

Nodding to what the doctor said about Alex that put her at ease that they were going to give him a CAT scan. She attempted to talk again but no sounds came out. She could sign but she wasn’t sure if Dr. Parks understood it. She pointed to her thoart to make a point she was having problems talking. She signed slowly hoping that he would get it. “Will Army come here to give update on Alex?”

She knew he had places to go but was too scared to be alone. Her attention was drawn to the TV and a replay of her hostage situation was on. She gasped now seeing how foolish she had been, she saw herself getting shot and winced feeling the pain again. She shook her head seeing the knife to her throat the only way that Chad had allowed the medics come in, she knew that it looked as if she was strong but she was nearly peeing herself there, she remembered that.

She watched it, the CNN reporters had a prefect aim. “Dustin?” She asked him in sign again wondering if he knew, if anyone had heard from him since she had seen him get on that helicopter. She sighed being unable to talk was getting annoying.

A nurse came in with a cup of water and she sipped it then nodded there that felt better. “Dr Parks?” She whispered. “Is there somewhere you have to be” It was her round about way of asking if he could stay with her, she understood better now why those Soldiers didn’t want to be alone.

She was still unsure about her being clear of charges. “But Dr. Parks, he wasn’t aiming at me, how could that be self-defence?” She watched the gun being pointed at Ann and her twisting getting the painful cut on her arm and wrestling with the gun. She watched as Chad slumped to the ground, and then watched her crumple down too. She looked a mess she was covered not only in her own blood but splatter from Chad too.

She looked back to the door to see if Dr. Parks was still there, or if she was alone. She wondered if the Army was going to notify her of Alex’s condition from the hospital or if anyone would visit her. She figured someone would want to come by now. She frowned. She guessed that it would be too much for anyone of them to come here…and see her in the state she was in, she assumed her face was still swollen since she couldn’t see out of her right eye. She was still hocked up to machines.

She got another sip of water and then watched the TV more. Waiting for the Army to come, someone had to update her soon

Dr Parks stopped and watched Dani. He could see she was having a hard time talking and was trying to use hand signs to tell him something. Finally nurse came in and gave her some water which seemed to help. He smiled at her question and returned to his chair by her bed. "I have no pressing place I have to be. I can sit here awhile and keep you company." He made sure the nurse filled a pitcher full of ice water and placed it where Dani could get to it.

"You know you now have something that can help these soldiers relate better to what has happened to them. You have experienced something that very few civilians have. Well few in the sence of how many people there are in the world. You now know what they are going through and that can help you get trhough to them even more.

A call went from Afganistan to the Rear Detachment Commander and he inturned called Alex's Company Commander's wife. She was informed that Alex would be sent to Germany for tests and a Cat Scan, but nothing was said about him not remembering the last year and a half. That Both the Battalion and Company Commanders wanted kept under wraps for the moment. They were hoping that the Doctors in Germany could help get his memory back.

The Company Commander's wife was soon on her way up to visit Dani. By the time she got there Mary and Milly were there with Dani and Dr Parks was off to the VA Center

Taking more sips of water she sighed. The nurses checked her vitals and Dani asked to hear the heart beats of her babies again. The nurse smiled and hoked her up. “I can tell that this helps you” Dani questioned it asking if it would be needed for anyone else the nurse shook her head. “No its not needed”

Glad that Dr. Parks got her hint and sat down with her. Listening to what he said she nodded, he was right it would help. She wasn’t sure when she was going to be able to go back. “Can you walk in with me when I return? As much as she hated to be seen as weak, she didn’t want to freak out and put stress on her babies.

She nodded. “I guess” In response to him telling her she could relate more. She didn’t think she could, one gunman wasn’t the same she faced one gunman, not hundreds, for a few hours, not months she wondered if the others were doing okay. She felt helpless, getting no real updates on anyone. Sure she had been told that everyone had lived but were they out of the hospital?

She waved to the TV “They are calling me a hero, gods awful truth I was shaking inside, all I could see was the blood, the blood was everywhere” She looked at him. Wondering why this was all coming to the surface. “Why are they calling me a hero, I am nothing of the sort”

Debbie and the others were just outside the door for the tail end of the conversation. They felt bad overhearing, but the hadn’t meant too. They walked it and sat with her while Dr. Parks excused himself. She greeted them, they gently brushed her hair for her. She tensed up as the commanders wife walked in.

“Hello” Dani said softly. Something told her she had news. She was rigid awaiting the news. She blinked and tried to ready herself.

Taking more sips of water she sighed. The nurses checked her vitals and Dani asked to hear the heart beats of her babies again. The nurse smiled and hoked her up. “I can tell that this helps you” Dani questioned it asking if it would be needed for anyone else the nurse shook her head. “No its not needed”

Glad that Dr. Parks got her hint and sat down with her. Listening to what he said she nodded, he was right it would help. She wasn’t sure when she was going to be able to go back. “Can you walk in with me when I return? As much as she hated to be seen as weak, she didn’t want to freak out and put stress on her babies.

She nodded. “I guess” In response to him telling her she could relate more. She didn’t think she could, one gunman wasn’t the same she faced one gunman, not hundreds, for a few hours, not months she wondered if the others were doing okay. She felt helpless, getting no real updates on anyone. Sure she had been told that everyone had lived but were they out of the hospital?

She waved to the TV “They are calling me a hero, gods awful truth I was shaking inside, all I could see was the blood, the blood was everywhere” She looked at him. Wondering why this was all coming to the surface. “Why are they calling me a hero, I am nothing of the sort”

Debbie and the others were just outside the door for the tail end of the conversation. They felt bad overhearing, but the hadn’t meant too. They walked it and sat with her while Dr. Parks excused himself. She greeted them, they gently brushed her hair for her. She tensed up as the commanders wife walked in.

“Hello” Dani said softly. Something told her she had news. She was rigid awaiting the news. She blinked and tried to ready herself.

In Afghanistan Dustin watched helplessly as his brother inlaw was lifted off. He had been not allowed to go with him, forced to stay behind. He knew that something was really wrong with Alex. He didn’t remember him, which meant he didn’t know Dani, his own wife. He turned to see the reporter filiming the take off. He walked to them. “Hope you got your million dollar shot” He shook his head disgusted and frustrated. His sister, the last he saw of her was her crumbling to the ground and being surrounded but medic, so many tubes and a oxygen mask on her face. One that looked so much older than it should. She had been through so much in so little time. She had lost so much blood, he could tell that just by looking. Shot twice a large cut on her arm and even her neck, the side of her face already showing bruising. Her dear sister needed him and here he was in the godforsaken desert. He glared at the reporter and shook his head. “If your news report causes more harm to my sister then you will be sorry” He regretted the words but he was angry.

He turned around and marched to his commanding officer. “Sir is there any news on my sister?” He shook his head Dustin nodded ran outside and punched the wall brusing and cutting up his knuckles he walked back up the reporters. “Is that thing off?” He asked the reporter nodded. “Good! Now I want to send a message to my sister, when I nod you turn it off again. You are going to do something good for my sister Turn it on” They did.

Dustin looked right into the camera. “Dani this is your brother” He was talking as if she was still unconscious “I love you, fight you are a fighter, you are my hero, yes I know you will not see yourself like that, but you are.” He continued to stare into the camera. “Fight, you will get better, you will get through this, I love you so much, I am so proud of you and so would our dad. Keep fighting girl, but take it easy too, do not make me tell the nurses to duct tape you to the bed”

He nodded to end it. “Thank you” He had kept his hands hidden the entire time his sister didn’t need to see his pain, or anymore blood. He walked away trying to keep it all together but no one was telling him how his sister was doing.

News got around that the woman on the news was his sister and soon people came up to try to comfort him. He did his best but was beside himself. He needed news on his sister so a hour later was back in his CO’s tent. “Sir is there any info on my sister yet? I just want to know if she made it through surgery, Sir did you watch the news…That bastard had a knife to my baby sisters neck, Sir she there is a good chance she is…was…no is pregnant.”

Dustin was pacing like a caged animal. “I am sorry sir I know I am not acting much like a good strong soldier, but she is my sister, last time I saw her she was bleeding from her face, neck, arm and shoulder all I want to know is if she made it through surgery!

((tottally forgot about Dustin sorry))

Kathern walked into the hospital room and saw Alex's mother, another woman, and Debbie. The TV was on and of course replaying the scenes from the battle in Afganistan and the mess at the VA Center. She could see the worry on Dani's face. She smiled at Dani and then at Mary. It was evident also that she was wanting news of her husband.

"You don't have to worry about your husband." she started. "We just got notified that he is being sent to Germany for some tests and a Cat Scan. With all of the problems that the soldiers are having returning from there, they want to make sure he is completely alright. There is no signs of a head injury or any other. But since he is after all a national hero they are going to make sure."

She took a seat next to her bed. "Now how are you doing? I am sure that Alex will want to know that when he sees or hears what has happened here."

In Afganistan, Alex was put on a Blackhawk that was to take him to the Airport and then he would be put on a plane for Germany. The Reporter recorded Dustins message and then he added his own commentary after it. It would be something he would send to the CNN headquarters and have put on the air. No one though was saying anthing about SGT Morgan. It was not quite what other soldiers that had been caught in explosions were receiving. But he looked alright and intact. Maybe it for another reason besides medical that he was being sent to Germany.

Watching Kathern walk in Dani followed her with her eyes. She licked her lips. When she got the news she sighed. She was partly relived but partly panicked. “Don’t they send just the most injured to Germany” She said. “How long is he going to be there?” She looked around. “Am I going to go there” She frowned “Sorry for so many questions I am just worried is all, I saw him get injured on TV again”

She thought for a moment with her question. “Do not tell my husband about anything that happened today, not until we are all sure he can take it, when he can tell him I am fine, healing but I am catching up to him with scars” She said with a bit of a smile. “My brother though, he was likely in the air when this all happened he must know how I am doing, that I am fine, stiff but fine”

Dustin was frustrated no body had anything for him. He had cleaned and bandaged his own knuckles and now was waiting for orders to see where he would be guarding for the night since it was his turn. Not too many people knew who his sister was so he assumed that he would be able to get away with doing it.

The First Sergeant of Dustin's company came up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "We have word from the states." He began. "Your sister is alright and is recovering in the hospital back home. So don't worry soldier. Sgt Morgan's company commander sent word back to the rear detachment and his wife letting them know that he is being sent to Germany for tests and observation." He moved around infront of Dustin, "We will be getting updates on your sister every day, and you will be briefed when we get it."

Alex was aboard a plane to Germany not really knowing what was going on. Yes he had been told that they wanted to observe him and do some tests on him to make sure that there was no brain tramua. But no one was telling him how the Battalion got to Afganistan, how he got promoted and why everyone was looking at him as if something was wrong with him.

Kathern stayed a little bit longer and chatted with everyone then left. "Don't worry Dani, Alex is in good hands and we will hear something more about him in a little bit I am sure." Mary told her. About then Dustin's message was shown on TV.

Dustin had his orders he would be working the main gate. He was relived, something to keep him busy so he wasn’t thinking about his sister and brother in-law too much. He couldn’t get distracted he knew his sister would be yelling at him. He saw his First Sargent walking towards him he snapped to attention. But feeling his hand on his shoulders and then the words he fell to his knees with tears in his eyes. “Thank you First Sargent” He stood and nodded. “Thank you, I am sorry for my actions earlier. They were not” But he couldn’t go on since the First Sargent had his hand up and shaking his head.

“Think nothing of it Soldier I read up on your sister, bit of a miracle worker and you are close to her I will keep you posted, now to your post”

“Yes First Sargent” Dustin was all business now. He went up to his post and looked up at the stars. “Dani stay strong I love you sis” He kept his eyes across the desert waiting to see if anything was going to happen this night. He knew Dani wasn’t going to like hearing that Alex was going to Germany, he knew that she knew that only special cases went there, but if she had been told there wasn’t much he could do, couldn’t even call home for he was on duty right now. He prayed that Alex and Dani would both be okay.

Talking to Kathleen helped a little bit, she was grateful that someone she knew gave her the news. When she left Dani made her promise to come back. Dani nodded. “Yes Germany is best, I hope they keep me updated, I am his wife after all” She turned “And you are his mom” She then turned to the TV hearing a message about a special message from Afghanistan. She gasped when she saw her brother. She swallowed hard.

“Something is wrong” She whispered then she laughed at the duct tape turning to Mary she blushed slightly “uhh guess that needs some explanation, when we were in Iraq, both boys wouldn’t stay put so I threatened to duct tape them to bed, had the others join me in the threat”

She let a few tears fall as she watched her brother. “Would my father really be proud of me Mary?” She asked softly.

Two days later, Alex was still in the hospital in Germany. The Doctors had been trying to see if any thing would bring his memory back. It was there that they told him that he had a type of amnisa that had wiped out over a year of his memory. They had asked him if he remembered the battle in
Iraq where he saved the Iraqi presidents grandson, and the stand him and his squad did. He shook his head. He could not remember it, nor receiving the Congressal Medal of Honor.

They had not asked him if her remembered getting married. They were waiting on that one. The Cat Scan revealed nothing. He had no brain tramua. But the brain was a very mysteryious place yet for most doctors, and specialists. Why he had lost his memory of over a year was something that made them scratch their heads. "We have to take a look at the situation he was in, the stress perhaps he was under and not wanting to lose his platoon leader and sergeant. Stress, lack of sleep, fatigue, mental strain and the like. Perhaps to better take command of the situation, he pushed memories back and the explosion set up some sort of mental block." was one of the doctor's comments.

For Alex the nightmares began again. Dreams of Iraq, losing friends and comrades, the battles. He could smell the cordite, the dust and dirt. It was so vivid and real. He would wake up in cold sweats crying out.

Back home the hospital staff and doctors were letting a few others see Dani. A couple at a time. But no reporters were allowed on the floor and were only given updates on her recovery. Mary and Debbie had been bombarded with questions for the last few days and they had to be taken out another way to get away fromt he reporters. Mary even was able to get a call in to Dustin to give him an update on Dani and talk to him.

Dustin was not wanting to worry Mary about Alex and his lost memory so he kept that to himself for the time being.

Back in Germany one of the Doctors rubbed his chin. "Perhaps seeing his wife will help jar his memory. She is recovering from her wounds but should be able to travel. A Nurse of Medic could go with her to keep an eye on her and make sure she is taking her medication and see that she does not over exert herself. " The others nodded and began making the arrangements and sent word back to the States. The morning of the third day after the visit from the Company commander's wife Dani got a visit from the Army.

"MRS. Morgan." the Full Bird Colornel said as he entered the room. "It has been arranged for you to go see your husband in Germany." he smiled. His Shoulder patch showed he was in the medical core, a doctor. "Arrangements for you to have a nurse accompany you has also been made."

Laying in the bed Dani was going nuts, she felt helpless, she had been stuck in the bed for a few days now so a therapist came in and massaged her legs the day after she received the visit from the wife. She was about to start walking when she got her first visit. She grinned.

“Hello you guys” She said, she recognized them from the hostage situation, they all made small talk with her, brought her gifts and made sure she was doing as good as she said she was. Little Anne came to visit her and Dani signed with her. It was harder with her bandages but she did it. Her father and mother were amazed that she knew sign. Dani shrugged. “I didn’t have many friends so learned it, also taught myself Gaelic, French and a few others. She and Anne had a good talk. The poor babe was scared Dani would be made because she was cut because of her. Dani reassured her that it wasn’t her fault. She knew she should listen to her own words but she did not put them together.

When Anne left Dani tried to stand again, both Mary and Debbie were tending to her animals she was greeted by more people. She had to smile; only a few months ago she had helped them walk again and now it was them helping her. She was really stiff but was able to walk. Slowly but when she laid back down she had good talks with all of them. Most stayed clear of the touchy topics, the shooting, Dustin, Alex. She knew that it was rough for them seeing her there so none stayed long.

Her talk with Dustin was what she really needed though. She had been so worried that he had been worried about her. Dustin too improved hearing from his sister. He had to promise to keep his mind on what was going on there and not on her. She was fine and she would be on the first flight there if she had heard that he was being distracted.

One the third day when she got her news she sat up quickly. “I am going to see Alex?” She asked with a smile. She had recived some updates, but felt like something wasn’t right. She licked her lips and nodded. “When do I leave?”

She already had been able to change, into a pair of lose fitting cargo pants a t-shirt but had chosen to wear one of Alex’s “army” hoodies, for his smell

"The private plane is waiting at the Airport and as soon as you are ready to go, we will be leaving." he continued to smile. He could see she was excited about going and seeing her husband. He only hoped that she would be able to bring him out of the memory loss. He was aware of her work at the VA Center and helping others, so his confidence was high that she would be able to bring Alex out of it. He had his orders and they came from the very top. Alex was a war hero of the highest order. All the soldiers were heros, but Alex was one that stood out and had accomplished something that none had been able to do.

He had saved the grandson of the Iraqi president, insuring a firm link to the US Government. He had also in a strange way, ended hostilities for the most part and had been able to turn the leader of some of the insurgents against the more powerful ones. Many had been found bbound and gagged sitting outside the compounds of the US Forces. Once these leaders, millitant leaders, clerics and the like that were responsible for many of the bombings, and attacks, were in coustody, the viloence almost ceased completely. Alex had been responsible for this and had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Then ther was the most recent action, that had again captured the worlds attention and put him in the spotlight.

His actions had made him a national heror and now he had lost his memory of all of that. That would not do. His orders were simple, get Alex Morgan's memory back. For when Alex returned he would be touring bases, cities and the like. Being showed off to the country to drum up support for the government and the military.

"I have sent a car and some men around to your house and Mrs Morgan will be there to help pack some things for you and get your passport. So as soon as the Doctors here can get you ready to go we will be on our way."

Dani nearly lept out of the bed then but had a nurse rushed forward “Mrs. Morgan, you need to be unhooked first or some of the other nurses will panic. Dani smiled slightly “Sorry just eager to go see my husband” When she was done being unhooked and signed out and given some oral meds and bandages for her and instructions she was all set to go, she had her purse with ID the fact that she didn’t have a change of clothes didn’t bother her she would get something in Germany but Mary showed up with her suitcase she greeted her with a hug. “Oh Mary I am so sorry this happened, its all my fault I encouraged him to redeploy. She was finally voicing her guilt that she had been dealing with, the reason she had stayed so busy. She hugged Mary again.

Mary went over what was in the bag, change of clothes, some of Alex’s stuff. Their wedding album, which had just been finished it was more like a year book looking and was beautiful. Mary stroked Dani’s cheek. “You know that is not true, you just supported him and that is what he needed.” Dani found out it would just be her she frowned slightly but nodded turning back to Mary. “Give my love to Debbie and Sky and Comet” She then rushed off. She had her one arm in a sling and the other one didn’t move the greatest yet so her bag was carried for her. She walked with a slight limp but was certain it was just stiffness.

She was led out a private way so no media hounded her. She was grateful she didn’t think she could be noble or dingnified right now she just wanted to get to her Alex. Dani got into the black SUV then was rushed the airport. No line ups, no security patting her down. The SUV drove right to the plane and she was ushered on. Once everyone was sitting the Plane took off Dani looked out the window. Both arms were throbbing and the pain was evident in her face.

Seeing this her nurse handed her some meds and a drink “Take this” Dani was about to refuse but the nurse’s look made her take the meds. “Thank you” The Nurse looked at her. “Now Mrs. Morgan, I know you do not want to take the meds, but you make all the others take it so why don’t you listen to yourself” Dani blushed slightly “Yeah I don’t take my own advice”

The Nurse patted her leg again. Dani smiled stood “I just need to ummm well you know” The nurse nodded and Dani walked to the bathroom. She looked in the mirror she still looked a fright, still a bit of a black eye her swollen jaw. She sighed she had figured time would have decreased it but it didn’t. She was certain makeup wouldn’t even help and even if it would Alex never liked her with caked on make up which she would have to do to cover her bruises. She made it back to her seat and took out the wedding Album and starting looking through it.

She had hoped it would calm her down but it didn’t do much, she chewed her bottom lip. “How much longer till we are there?” Sleep would be best for her right now but she was too nervous about seeing Alex and wondering why she was being sent to him and not him to her. “Alex doesn’t know about my incident does he?” She asked softly.

Alex was definantly getting restless. He did exercises to keep his body in shape, and ran every day 2-4 miles. He wanted to get back into the fight, wanted to avenge his father's death some more, and the deaths of those that he had counted as his friends. Why were they not letting him return to his unit. They had said nothing had been found. he felt good, except for the nightmares. It still bothered him that he could not have saved his friends lives. He had been so close and yet had not been able to get to them in time.

It was taking all he had to keep his temper with the medical officers. He was a soldier and knew better then to talk back or do anything out of line with them. He knew now that over a year had passed and that his unit had been relocated to Afganistan. Even though he didn't remember that, he did remember the Outpost, the escape and the battle before they had been picked up. What was a year or so of lost memories. Just less he had to remember and dream about.

The flight was a very long one. First from Texas to the East Coast to refuel for the trip across the Atlantic. Then the long trip to Germany. The nurse made sure that Dani slept, even if it mean t giving her something to help her sleep. Finally the plane touched down in Germany. Here Dani had to go through customs and get her passport stamped. There were no checks and no questions asked, it had all been arranged for a smooth entrance into the country for her. Again there were no reporters, as no one had been informed of her departure from the States, except Mary, Debbie, and Milly and of course some of the hospital staff that had been told to keep it quiet about her departure. A car picked them up at the airport and began the drive to the hospital that Alex was at.

Dani was growing restless. She alternated between looking out the window and looking through the photos. She tried to sleep but couldn’t. She tried to make small talk but no one was answering questions about Alex or Dustin for the matter. “Does Dustin know that I am going to Germany” She asked
“Private Frist Class Blodgett will be briefed when time permits” Was the anserw she was given. Dani wanted to scream, but instead took the drink she was offered, the nurse said it would help calm her nerves. Before she knew it she was asleep.

She awoke a half hour before they would touch down in Germany. “Wow, what did you give me” The nurse smiled “Something to help” Dani stood and walked back to the bathroom. She brushed her hair and looked in the mirror, she still looked a fright but she was going to see her Alex, and if she just kept her hoodie on, least until she knew how Alex could handle her wounds it should be okay.

She sat down for the landing. Then handed over her passport, it was getting full she swallowed excepting to be swarmed by media but it seemed no one knew yet. “Thank you for no media” She said softly for anyone that was listiening.

Getting into the car she drummed her fingers nervously. She had given up on asking questions seemed no one wanted to let her to know anything. What was she going to find when she saw Alex? Burns? Missing limbs? No everything seemed fine when he was put onto the medicvac. So what the hell was wrong with her husband.

She would love him no matter what; nothing could end her love for him. She knew the same for him. Nothing could separate them.

Alex had just returned from a four mile run and was sweaty and feeling pent up. He had been there now for a number of days and nothing was being said to him why he was being kept there. He still needed to work the feeling of being inactive off so he went to the hospital's gym to work out. He began punching the large punching bag, and kicking it, using some of the martial art skills he had learned from others in his company. He needed to take out his agression on something and it happened to be the bag.

When the car arrived at the hospital, the Doctor, Dr. Mallard helped her out of the car and into the hospital. There were military people everywhere, all bearing the patch of being in the medical corps and were working there. A few here and there had lab coats own and a stethascope about heir necks. These were looking at charts and signing off on paperwork.

One of them looked up and seen Dr. Mallard, "Ahh Stan, you are back." the other Doctor moved forward and took Mallard's hand and shook it. The doctor then looked at Dani, "Welcome to Germany Mrs. Morgan." he gave her a smile and then turned. "This way. SGT Morgan is in the Gym working out. Both Dr. Mallard and the new doctor were hoping that seeing Dani would be enough to bring his memory around.

When they reached the Gym there were a number of people, men and women there. Some were being given therepy, learning to walk again on prostetic legs or use their new prostetic arms. Others, off duty service members were simply working out to keep in shape. The punching bag was in between Alex and the door. So he could not be seen at first. "SGT Morgan" Mallard called out, "You have a visitor."

Alex stopped hitting the bag and moved around it. He was covered in sweat from the work out and looked over at Mallard, the other Doctor and Dani. He looked at Dani and recgonized his black hoodie. It had certain patches on it from his father's former units. His eyes narrowed as he grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat from his face and neck. He then approached them. He looked at Dani then the doctors and back to Dani, "Who the hell is this and what the hell is she doing wearing my Hoodie?" he did not sound to happy.

As they pulled into the parking lot Dani grew nervous everyone was too quiet something was wrong. She licked her lips then nervously chewed the bottom one. She stepped out and tried to hold her head high. Once inside the hospital she looked around. She should feel right at home here, doctors, nurses, army personal, injured warriors, She didn’t though, she was just wanting to see her Alex, perhaps later she would check out the other areas, maybe get ideas. She shook her head no just Alex right now.

Smiling she shook the hand and thanked him. She continued to bite her lower lip. She raised a eyebrow. “In the gym?” She asked “Well guess he cant be too hurt” she nervously laughed. The tension in the air was too great something was wrong, something big.

Reaching the gym she watched the others train. Her heart ached for the warriors that had lost a limb. Even more for she knew that each of these represented to ones that never got to come home. She scanned the area but could not find Alex. She was about to ask where he was when Mallard called out his name. She held her breath waiting to see him.

Depending on how injured he was she planned to run into his arms. She still blamed herself for this injury whatever it was, she was the one that had encouraged him to reenlist. She swallowed hard as Alex started to move towards her. She looked up at the doctors. It was clear he didn’t know her, Alex would be running to her swooping her up in his arms and kissing her. Then would be demanding why her face was swollen and her eye blackened. And why her arm was in a sling. Knowing him he would take her to his room, and take off the sweater and inspect her wounds. Then he would feel really bad. She remembered his words in Iraq when she demanded to go find Alex. Not being able to protect her was one of his worst fears. No it was clear that Alex did not know her, his own wife.

When Alex was close enough to notice the sweater she swallowed hard her hands were clenched in anger. She looked at the doctors took a step back. “Why didn’t you tell me, he doesn’t remember me, I am his wife and he probably thinks I am some freaking tag chaser or a doctor” She shook her head. She felt like her world was crumbling beneath her.

Alex didn’t know her. She was prepared for missing limbs, blindness; nearly anything. She had not prepared herself for him not knowing her. She was so angry at the doctors. She should have been warned. Her head was spinning. She couldn’t let Alex see her turmoil though. She had to be strong for him. She had a thought if he didn’t know her it was likely that the nightmares had returned. That broke her heart to think about. For the few days she had been trapped in the hospital he was dealing with the nightmares every night.

She turned to him and smiled trying to be gentle. “Alex, this might be hard to believe, but you are my husband” She lifted the dog tags to show off his class ring. Then showed him the wedding bands “Sorry I am not more of a looker, just came from Texas, and I” She trailed off, no she wasn’t going to tell him about the hostage situation, nor about her being pregnant with his children. “It was a long flight” She made the excuse.

She took a step forward. “I will take off the hoodie and give it back to you if you really want” She was grateful she remembered to wear long selves so her wounds would still be covered. “But I am a little chilly”

She then turned to the doctors. “What is the meaning of not telling me, I could have been more prepared” But that was a lie she knew that even if she had been told she would deny it telling them that of course he would remember her, his own wife. She looked at Alex and tried to stop the tears but a few escaped and ran down her cheek down to her chin and dropped off splashing on the ground at her feet. She looked at Alex and smiled. Waiting to see his reaction she was in shock so she didn’t know if she had handled it properly.

She stared up at the doctors silently asking how she handled it. Then back to Alex preparing to be lashed out at. She wouldn’t hold anything against him. She knew he would never hit her though. But was worried too much anger and they might restrain him she couldn’t have that.

She turned to the doctors. “No matter what he does to me do not restrain him unless I say so, I know my husband even if he doesn’t know me” The doctors were reluctant. “You didn’t tell me anything you owe me” She was talking nonsense of course but she was very angry that they hadn’t told her anything.

Turning once more to Alex she was prepared for anything. Or at least she hoped so.

"Married? Your husband?" Alex looked at her as if she was crazy or something. "I am not married. I haven't had the time to find a woman and get serious about a relationship. I am a soldier, fighting a war. I have no time to be married. I have enough to worry about at the moment." he went on.

"Now when was this suppose to have happened?" He asked.

Mallard was the one that stepped forward. He saw the reaction of Dani to the denial. He could not blame her, but they needed to see if just seeing her would be enough to bring him out of it. Telling her he had lost his memory might have changed how she reacted how she presented herself. "This happened during that period of time that you can not remember." He began.

"Over a year ago it was found out that you did not complete highschool." The look on Alex's face was one of surprise and worry. "You were discharged from the army and sent home to finish highschool. That is when you met Dani." Mallard moved up to Alex and put a hand on his shoulder. "Come SGT Morgan we have some film you need to see."

He guided Alex towards the door as the other Doctor turned to Dani. "I am sorry that you were kept in the dark MRS Morgan. But we needed to have it that way when your husband saw you. You may have acted a different way, said something different. We were hoping seeing you would bring him out of it. We have been trying various things to help him regain his memory of that time period, but nothing has worked. Now with you here we are going to show him when he rescued your borther and the grandson of the Iraqi president, him being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and your wedding."

He motioned for her to follow Alex and Mallard, to another room where there was a TV and a CD Player. Mallard turned it all on and soon what had been the live boradcast of what had become called The Stand began. Alex watched, engrossed in what was going on. Seeing himself get shoot and falling to the ground, getting up and continuing to fight on and again getting shot in the leg and going down. Only to rise again and continue the fight. The gunships coming and pounding the enemy, the company coming by choppers and helping retrieve him and his squad.

Then it switched to the award Ceremony, where he received his CMH and Dani had been awarded a medal, as well as Dustin. Then to the wedding, the miliatary wedding. Now and then he looked over at Dani, uncertainty in his eyes. and face. When it was over Mallard continued to speak. "In the time between being discharged, and you returning to the army and making The Stand, you met Dani and her Brother Dustin, who is in the same battalion as you. You fell in love and planned to be married when her borther went missin in Iraq. You had by then rejoined the army and had been given the rank of sergeant. You and Dani went to Iraq to look for Dustin. You found and resued him along with the grandson of the Iraqi president. You also were instrumental in bringing peace to a good portion of Iraq."

He looked over at Dani as he kept talking. "You talked to an insurgent during an attack on your battalion 's position. Some how you convinced him, a leader among the insurgents, to turn in his leaders. From intelligence sources, that man talked to other leaders of bands of insurgents and it escalated from there. Important leaders of the insurgents were found tied up infront of milatary encampments all over Iraq. Bombings ceased, the wanton killings stopped in almost every part of Iraq."

Alex's eyes were wide with disbelief. How could he have done such a thing. He was no politian, no peacemaker. He was out to kill as many insurgents as he could.. Buth he had been hearing news reports of how things had settled down in Iraq, the government becoming more stable there. Then he was in Afganistan and not Iraq. He put his hands to his head. This was to much for him to grasp. He turned and almost ran out of the room and out of the hospital to a park across the street from it.

His rejection felt like a slap to her face. She closed her eyes and silently counted to ten. She had to remain strong. Part of her just wanted to kiss him, long and hard, that would surely spark his memory, but she couldn’t do that. Not now, she was scared that would push him further away. She looked at him and bit his lower lip. So this was angry Alex, she had never really seen him this angry, well except with the bullies from school.

She winced at the next question. Luckily the Doctor was able to answer it. Dani was beginning to shake slightly. The pain was back in her arms and even in her leg but she wasn’t going to ask for meds right now. It would mean she would be forced to sit down. She couldn’t sit down right now. She didn’t want to be apart from Alex, even if he didn’t know who she was. Least this way he wasn’t concered about her swollen face, she really didn’t want to explain that story right now.

She just couldn’t get past the fact that he didn’t remember her, didn’t remember helping her saving her life, protecting her from the bullies, helping her through her breakdown. Having sex, her going with him to Iraq, she sighed. She had said no matter what she would love him and she meant it. Even if they had to start all over again she would. He was her husband even if he didn’t know it.

While the Doctor explained it all Dani stood there. Her eyes burned with unshed tears. She tried to look strong but loving. She smiled remembering when they met, she had been teased and he set it right. He was her saving grace and he didn’t even know it.

Her ears perked up at the film, surley they were not going to show the VA thing, no that would be no use to him. She swallowed hard trying to think. She wondered if it was going to be the battle and smiled worriedly. Yes that must be it. She watched Alex being led out and tried to follow but she was stopped she looked up. “I understand” She said softly “Its just a shock, I mean he is my husband and he doesn’t even know me” She brought a hand to her stomach. “You likely know, but don’t tell him, please don’t, but I am pregnant with twins” She paused “I will never leave his side even if he never remembers me, I will just have to get him to fall in love with me again”

She walked with him and silently watched the movie. She inwardly winced watching the battle, she had seen that battle, first hand and was still embarrassed on how she had acted. Screaming and crying at the TV, threnting her brother and husband infront of everyone. She swallowed hard but still a few tears escaped her eyes she whipped them quickly she knew her tears wouldn’t help Alex.
During the showing of the award ceremony and their wedding she blushed slightly seeing herself but smiled down at Alex. It was a lot to take in she could tell it was too much. He might even be thinking it was some cruel joke.

As Mallard went on she closed her eyes. Remembering that knock on the door saying her brother was missing. She shifted her weight the throbbing was getting close to being unbearable but she wouldn’t give in yet. She was about to speak to add more, but instead he stood up and took off.

Dani called after him but either he couldn’t hear or didn’t want to. She turned back to the docs “I know you might come after him, but give me space and time” Before she could get a response she took off after him. Limping slightly she made it out side of the hospital. She spotted the park across the street and once it was clear she started across. She was honked at a few times but she ignored everything she needed to find Alex.

“Alex” She called out. “Alex” she called louder looking for him, limping and calling out his name. She saw someone sitting on a bench head in his hands and walked slowly towards him. “Alex?” She asked. She couldn’t tell if it was him, his back was to her. She was panting, the pain was making it harder to breath but she stopped a few steps away and waited to see if it was him.

Alex ran out into the park and found a stone bench to sit on. He burried his head in his hands not knowing what to think. War Hero, CMH, being married. None of it made sence to him. But the disk had it all, and then there were the two scars, on on his arm and the other on his leg. He didn't remember those. The others he did, and when he got them from being wounded. They matched the ones shown on the disk. He knew that movies could be edited and the like, put people into where they weren't suppose to be, but it took that person to be there to do it. Plus the way it was, it was reasl, it had happened.

Well he could beleive he had been in that battle, he was a soldier and he had taken chances before. But to be married. He had not planned anything like that. And to a woman like he had seen on the disk. No he could not have been that lucky. It couldn't be true, but then again why would the doctors lie about something like that. Why make up something like that up.

Then he heard his name being called. The voice of the woman that claimed to be his wife. How could he cope with that. He knew others in the Platoon and Company that were married. They were older, Randy was a bit older and married, and he could see that he worried, that they all worried about their loved ones at home. Some how they managed to do their jobs but at times he wondered if thinking about them during combat would make them make mistakes.

"What?" he asked. "I don't remember you, don't know you." he said keeping his head in his hands.

Bitting her lower lips she watched Alex. She could tell he was hurting and there was nothing she could do. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and kiss him hard and long, to tell him know that he was going to be a father of twins, that she loved him and would never stop loving him. Even if he never remembered her she would stay by his side, she would just take it at his pace.

She closed her eyes hearing his coldness in his voice. He had never used that voice with her, only to those picking on her. The bullies, the ones that had made her life and her brother’s life a living hell but now that cold hard voice was being used on her. She stiffened slightly then smiled softly took a step so she was now more infront of him.

“I know you don’t remember me, and trust me I didn’t know you had lost your memory, I” She stopped. “I can leave if you want, but I don’t think you really want to be alone right now” She limped and sat down on the other side of the bench and sat there in silence. She didn’t know what to say. It was easier talking to strangers about this.

She looked at him with a warm smile. “If it is easier you can just think of me as a stranger, ask anything and I will do my best to answer”

When Dani spoke he looked up a bit. What was he to do. She was suppose to be his wife but she as a complete stranger to him. He had no idea of what to say to her or what to do. "Look." he said in a less cold voice. "I don't know what to say to you or anything. What is one to do when they can't remember, can't feel anything." he sighed.

He seen her sit down and listen to what she said. "Well tell me, how did we met, and how did we come to be together?" That would be a start. He would not remember it all but at least he would know. Perhaps something would spark a memory or something. He had heard about temporary amnesia, and partial amnesia. Maybe just talking and hearing about the year or so he had forgotten would do something.

Smiling Dani thought back to the first time that they met. “Well I was in the cafeteria at school, some kids were slamming into my seat and smacking me against the head and such. You asked me why I put up with it, I foolishly tried to show you your first class but you told me that you had been there before” She sighed. “Our school had a few popular families that had a lot of power and they made my life a living hell”

She paused “My father and your father served together I am Todd Blodgett’s daughter” She sighed. “We had a few classes together, took me home to met your mom, and then your mom figured out that since my father had been KIA’d and my mother had left during my father’s last deployment I was alone with my brother, she offered for us to move in”

She let all that sink in. “How we came together” She closed her eyes, “Well when we moved in, I uhh” She looked at him. “Helped you through your nightmares” She blushed slightly, not really noticeable through her bruises. “And it sort of went from there, you proposed to me at Christmas time” She would have gone on but she didn’t want to overwhelm him.

Looking up at him she searched his eyes to see how he was doing.